Michigan looks to pull off upset of No. 1 Stanford

Just look at what their volleyball team accomplished not far from here in Berkeley, Calif., in the NCAA tournament.

Unlike her St. John's team two years ago that struggled to score for minutes at a time, this Michigan bunch has a handful of capable shooters. The Wolverines also break their games down into 4-minute segments as a way to remind themselves one bad stretch can be overcome.

"You always reflect on that," Barnes Arico said of her 2011 loss here. "One of the most important things for our team right now is to believe that we can be successful. Let's not forget why we're here. ... We also have to realize we're playing a No. 1 seed, and they're a No. 1 seed for a reason."

Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer spent Monday making sure her players know exactly what to expect from Michigan's offense, which will screen and pass and do anything to find Kate Thompson an open look from 3-point range.

Thompson played a big part in Michigan returning to the NCAA tournament in back-to-back years for the first time since 2000-01.

She is nearly a 40 percent shooter from 3-point range and has 110 3s this season.

"I've seen teams in Michigan's league leave No. 12 open. I don't think I would do that," VanDerveer quipped.

Villanova coach Harry Perretta gave Barnes Arico his insight on Stanford - and he believes it will take lots of 3s to beat the talented Cardinal.

"I was telling Kim that whoever has a chance to beat Stanford, I think you have to make at least 10 3s in the game to have a chance to win because you're not going to beat them inside because their inside players are way too tough," Perretta said. "You have to try to play them opposite. Michigan has the style that has a chance to win. Any time when you play a team, opposite styles are usually better."

Not that Michigan is counting on many uncontested looks from the perimeter for Thompson or Ryan.

"We know we have our hands full. We're playing against one of the best teams ever against one of the best coaches ever," Barnes Arico said. "We know we have nothing to lose."